Introduction to Alté
Originally Sent on 2023-05-05 12:00:12
Mo's Corner
This past week I've been having the best time reflecting on my childhood and rediscovering the things that made me tick growing up. I miss when I was younger and had all the time in the world and would find one new thing to obsess over for months on end until I would find another new thing to grab my attention.
Today I'll introduce you guys to a re-hatched obsession. The "Altè Scene" in Nigeria. This scene spreads across culture, music, fashion and everything young people are interested in but for the purpose of this newsletter, we'll mainly focus on the music.
Since this is based on nostalgia for me, the artists I’ve listed here and the songs I’ve included are from a very specific time. The movement has grown a lot since then. Maybe I'll do another newsletter to talk about what has changed and some of the newer artists in the altè scene but for now, enjoy.
I have complied a list of things you should be aware of regarding the movement from my perspective. You will find links to articles, videos and albums that help explain this a little more.
Articles
Alté: Soundtracking Nigeria's New Generation — Google Arts & Culture
Origins Of The Alté Movement And How It Birthed a Generation Of Young Nigerians. | Teen Vogue
Alté, Nigeria's emancipated pop scene: 'People aren't used to being free'
An introduction to Nigeria’s innovative ‘alté’ scene | Dazed
DRB give an introduction to alté, the alternative sound of Nigeria | Red Bull
DRB LasGidi: “Altê's not a genre, it’s not a type of… - The Face
Videos
Albums
These are some of my personal favourites and it isn’t a reflection of the whole genre.
Apple Music
EVERYTHING YOU HEARD IS TRUE - Odunsi (The Engine)
Subaru Boys : FINAL HEAVEN - Cruel Santino
THE ANGEL YOU DON'T KNOW - Amaarae
Denim (EP) - Odunsi (The Engine)
Mandy & The Jungle - Cruel Santino
P.S. Thank You for Waiting - Wavy The Creator
Spotify
rare. - Album by Odunsi (The Engine) | Spotify
EVERYTHING YOU HEARD IS TRUE - Album by Odunsi (The Engine) | Spotify
THE ANGEL YOU DON'T KNOW - Album by Amaarae | Spotify
Denim - EP by Odunsi (The Engine) | Spotify
Mandy & The Jungle - Cruel Santino | Spotify
Subaru Boys : FINAL HEAVEN - Cruel Santino | Spotify
P.S. Thank You for Waiting - Album by Wavy The Creator | Spotify
Artists to Listen to
Spotify
Apple Music
Have a great weekend and I hope you enjoyed learning something you may have not known today or gotten a deeper perspective on something you already knew. See ya!✌🏾
- W&M